A Look Back At '09 Headlines Through Browser Games

The new year is upon us so it’s only appropriate to reflect on the year that was 2009 through Flash news games. With more Flash savvy folks out there these days it seemed anything that made headlines emerged online as an interactive game just days later. From Swinefighter to Balloon Boy, we take a look at some of the browser-based news games of 2009. Happy New Year!

Hero on the Hudson
Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became a hero the day he successfully executed an emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River and saved the lives of all 155 passengers. In Hero on the Hudson you take control of the same aircraft and perform a safe landing on the river.

Rihanna’s Revenge
Back in February Chris Brown was charged with the alleged beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna. Images emerged online of the singer’s bruised face that resulted in overall disdain toward Brown who later apologized for his actions. In Rihanna’s Revenge, players can put the hurt on Brown in this celebrity boxing game. Use combos and uppercuts for points and eventually knock him out.

Swinefighter
Last year the H1N1 Virus, also known as Swine Flu, was on everyone’s minds and caused people with even the slightest feeling of malaise to fear for their lives. Simply cough at work or at an airport and you’ll be put into quarantine to avoid possible risk of spreading the illness. The pandemic sparked a browser-based game that gives you the chance to fight the virus by attacking flying green pigs that move around the screen. You’ll start with a syringe, but weapon upgrades are available.

Michael Jackson: The Last Dance
In 2009 we lost several celebrities including Patrick Swayze, Farrah Fawcett and most recently Brittany Murphy, among others. Still, it seemed the celebrity passing to make the most magazine covers was Michael Jackson’s. Upon his passing, an online game emerged to honor the King of Pop by allowing players to toss flowers on his gravesite. A Jackson silhouette then appears at which point you can rapidly click your mouse to rack up points as he performs his signature dance moves.

Balloon Boy
Back in October a news story about a young boy thought to be adrift in an experimental helium balloon captured the attention of the media and led to a frantic chase by authorities. It also turned out to be a hoax. The events that occurred inspired the development of the Balloon Boy game by a group of 20-somethings. A counter at the top of the site asks “How Many $$$ of Tax Payer Money Can You Waste?” as players navigate the balloon past rainbows and seagulls for points.

Tiger Parking Slam and more
Tiger Woods’ latest game is a departure from the PGA franchise and is based on a scandal that emerged late last year after a late-night car accident where he ran over curbs, bushes, a hydrant and eventually slammed into a tree. The Addicting Games Web site hosts the Tiger Parking Slam game that challenges players to drive Woods’ SUV on different maps into a blue parking spot while dodging obstacles. More Flash games were developed after reports of alleged affairs with a dozen or so mistresses made headlines including Tiger Woods Wife Outrun where you guide Woods and his mistress past obstacles as his angry wife chases you with a golf club.
 
We look forward to seeing what sort of news games will hit the Web in 2010. For more browser titles check out Adam’s feature on games to help get you through what’s left of winter break. Did we miss any news games from 2009 events? Add it to the comments section below.